Sunday, 29 July 2012

My son sent me a poem during last week and I'd now like to share it with you...firstly a little background information....

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meagre possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.
The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in mags for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.
And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

Cranky Old Man..... What do you see nurses? . . .. . .What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food .. . ... . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . ... lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man .
Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. .... . ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within ... we will all, one day, be there, too! The best and most beautiful things of this world can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart ♥

Friday, 27 July 2012

Well here I am again giving myself such a hard time over whether or not to post an entry to the Artist Play Room? Why, oh why do I leave it so late to work on a piece?

I'd promised myself last week that I would give myself more time and I did actually start planning early on but then whoosh the time went flying out of the window.

Jenn decided that this weeks topic would be ink, pens and paper.

So to post or not to post....Hmm....

Now please remember I was thinking outside of the box Jenn!

Okay well here it is.... no ink pots, scrolls, or fountain pens in sight...it's the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House of course.

Did you know that the bridgehad her 80th birthday this year?...You may have witnessed the fantastic New Year firework displays that brought the old girl to life ~ she's one party animal and certainly not feeling her age or prepared to sit back quietly.

Okay so maybe I am stalling before showing the drawing...

I'm not sure about this drawing and feel I may redraw it again this weekend...I like the idea but I'm not sure about the execution!

(I'm off now for a few hours sleep before an early rise tomorrow morning to watch the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Unfortunately we'll have to view most events here at silly-o-clock, but I'm sure it will be worth it.)

Why not pop over to Jenn's place to check out all the other fantastic talented artists.....I'm sure you'll be in for a treat! ;D

Monday, 23 July 2012

Outside my window...which is difficult to see out this morning due to the heavy condensation on the inside of the window, which is a firm confirmation that it's a cold outside. The sun is just rising. The sky is a very pale blue having not warmed up yet and everywhere is very still...it's obviously a chilly bright fresh winter morning. I've just peeped at the window on my weather icon in my sidebar and it reads only 4 degrees celcius! That's quite cold for a Melbourne winter's morning. But it doesn't matter because the sun's here and that makes everything fine! ;D

I can't hear any birds at the moment...maybe they're staying huddled up until the sun's warmth reaches them...or their porridge is ready?!!?

I know there's a resident‘Tawny Frogmouth Owl'(Podargus strigoides)in our tree in the front garden, because for over a week or so now he's been woo-wooing all night! It's a very strange noise like a low repetative vibrating noise. If you would like to hear their night call click here and then scroll down the right hand sidebar until you come to the call option. It's really quite different to the usual owl type call, but then the Tawny Frogmouth isn't an owl at all, in fact they are actually more closely related to an noctoral bird or Nightjars.

I am thinking...about the new week ahead and wondering what it might bring? One thing for sure is that it will go quickly, so I'll have to make the most of it! But then I always try to.

I am thankful...for the moon and stars that brighten up our night skies. Last night because it was a very clear night we had a brilliant display. The best night sky I've ever seen was when we were on holiday in the Maldives where obviously there wasn't any light pollution because of the location of the island. I would just stand and stare at the magnitude of wonder above. It really does make you gasp in amazement.

In the kitchen...there's a new huge pressure cooker! It's a scary beast of a thing. I've been toying with the idea of getting one for years because I know some people who rave about them...my sister has cooked with one all her married life...but I've always been a little afraid of them. Especially when they're hissing and steaming away like they're going to 'blow' at any moment!

So I've been instructed numerous times by my OH that I have to read the manual before tackling it. He's read it, but he knows what I'm like with manuals...they're for 'men' that why they're called 'MANuals'.

Women just get on with it!!! Ohhhh...that's probably going to ruffle a few feathers (well we'll see if any men read this journal now...but maybe if they do they won't admit to it eh?)

I am wearing...I'm still in bed...so mind you're own business! ;D

I am creating...I've got lots of ideas again for this week ~ I just hope I can get to them. You'll be sure to see them here if I do :D

I am going...to an appointment this morning and Wednesday I have booked my car in for a service. Thankfully they provide a loan car, so I'll still be able to get around. There's lots of bits and pieces planned but nothing too demanding so I should have a productive week.

I am wondering...In keeping with the night theme that seems to be running through this journal today...'Why is it that you must wait until night to call it a day'?

I'm reading...The Seamstress by María Dueñas. I KNOW...I can't believe I'm still reading this book either!I must emphasise that it has nothing to do with the book. I am enjoying reading it, but I've just not been able to allocate enough time to it. I manage a few pages last thing at night but my eyelids give way! I think I should be on track for our August book club meeting but it might be a close thing. My reading seems to be taking a back seat just now, but it's a good read and I am enjoying it....here's a few details....

Maria Duenas' million copy best-selling tale of adventure, tragedy, love and war, "The Seamstress". Spain, on the brink of civil war, 1936. In love for the first time, Sira Quiroga leaves Madrid, along with everything she knows and cares about, to run away to Tangiers, Morocco with her lover Ramiro. She entrusts him with all her inheritance only to be left by him - pregnant, penniless and in trouble with the authorities. At her lowest ebb Sira falls back on the one skill she possesses: sewing. Moving to Tetouan, Sira survives by sewing beautiful clothes for the English mistress of one of the most powerful men in Morocco and for her German friends. As the women unguardedly gossip about their husbands and lovers, Sira is placed in a position very valuable to the British secret service, and she is soon forced to move to Madrid where great danger lies. A grand and epic story that tells the story of Spain's civil war, Madrid in the Second World War and reveals a world of war, glamour, espionage and passion. "A wonderful novel with intrigue, love, mystery and tender, audacious and clean-cut characters". (Mario Vargas Llosa). "A magnificent novel that flawlessly brings together history and intrigue". (Juan Gomez-Jurado, author of "The Moses Expedition"). Maria Duenas holds a PhD in English Philology and is currently a professor at the University of Murcia. She has also taught at American universities, is the author of several academic articles, and has participated in various educational, cultural and editorial projects. She is currently writing her second novel which she'll probably have finished before I finish this one.

I am hoping...that all the plans and designs that are crowding the right side of my brain at the moment...get to see the light of day and all expectations. I'm still so thankful that Mr Mojo decided to return to me and so far looks like he's willing to stay. :D

I am looking forward to...yep my answer is still the same...a holiday, vacation or even a 'stay-cation' (whatever you want to call it) just so long as we can have some time away from the normal route to explore somewhere new, relax, eat, drink, have fun and generally recharge the batteries! Obviously somewhere warm or even tropical might be nice right now...but as time goes on I would just like it to be anywhere! Hopefully we'll manage it soon and when I do take a trip, I'll be sure to take you along or if you're not free at least show you where I've been!

Around the house...all ship shape and fairly clean and organised considering. So I need to spend some time outside...because it's a perfect day for tidying and pottering about the garden. There's a lot to sort out and as they say...'when the sun shines'!

A favourite quote for today...'Don't wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you've got to make yourself '.....Alice Walker

One of my favourite things...is to watch Masterchef. I've had such pleasure from watching this fourth series where poor novice cooks have made an incredible journey of discovery. They've had some amazing challenges, trips and mentoring that is priceless...plus meeting some of the best chef's in the business from all over the world! The programme is now entering it's final week where there will be eliminations each night...it's at the bitter sweet part of the series where you want to watch but don't want anyone to leave because over the weeks you get to know all the contestants and their personalities. But leave they must...in order to reach that coveted prize and one of them to be crowned 'MasterChef'! Bring it on.....

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, rest and play but not necessarily in that order : D

A peek into my day...

Now that looks like I imagined Australia would look like...

this beautiful place was on our doggy walk today...how perfect is that?

So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Womans Daybook and check out the other day book entries

Have a fabulous week and hopefully the sun will shine where you are : D

Friday, 20 July 2012

Yesterday on my morning walk with Mufftypup, we met a bouncing black lab who was so full of life and very excitable to say the least...but it wasn't until he'd ran full circle around us three times and then bounded off that I noticed he only had three legs! His back hind leg was missing.

You would never know by his actions, mobility and full of life antics.

He was incredibly agile and it just made me think he obviously felt good to be alive and mobile!

Very mobile considering...but what a challenge he must have been through to reach that point. He was inspirational and he stayed in my thoughts for most of the day.

So why am I telling you this little tale...well I too have faced a challenge this week, but no way near what that black lab had to deal with but a challenge all the same.

There were times during the week I thought nah...'I'll just not bother'...'I'm too busy'....or 'well its Wednesday' or 'I haven't finished that job yet'....in fact any masses of excuses came to mind, but then I thought I never like to give in so why start now?

So onwards and upwards....and my challenge was....pears!!! Yep...I said pears!

Jenn from the Artist Playroom set this week's topic for the Artist Play Room to be pears....just because she liked them! How inconsiderate is that....I mean pears!

Phewph...so I hummed and ahhhed for a few days and decided that I'd just post a photo...easy peasy lemon squeezey. When I got the shot I wanted and please note I haven't got one of those fandabbydozzey white light boxes and we are in winter here (okay enough excuses) I was quite pleased, but then realised I hadn't really stretched myself to a challenge and this is what it's all about. Taking me out of my comfort zone and helping me improve my work.

Jenn very kindly encouraged me (when I winged to her) that maybe I could do zentangle pears.
She's such a sweetie and so encouraging ;D

But then I thought I don't want to always do 'tangles....plus I'm still getting to know the Derwent pencils....so I bit the bullet and painted the pears this morning.

I could pull it to pieces as I usually do...I'm my own worst critic but I do feel I've made some progress with the pencils today, so I'll hold onto that positive thought!

And so Jenn thank you yet again for pushing me...not only with timescales but with techniques and subject matter. I don't think I've ever painted a pear before!

As a thank you treat and sort of in keeping with last week's challenge of the illustrated recipe, I thought I'd let you have a look at my Pear and Almond Cake

I'm heading over to Jenn's place now to check out all the other fantastic talented artists...so why don't you join me....I'm sure you'll be in for a treat! ;D

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Morning everyone....especially my fellow WOYWWer's....well it's Wednesday again...which means show and tell for lots of creative crafters/artists and like minded people. If you're new to the term WOYWW or just here for the first time and wonder what on earth I'm talking about....

It's amazing and you never know what you'll see...but be warned it can be addictive.

I can't believe that I've hardly done any art this last week because I did have good intentions. There again, I did bake a lemon dizzle cake (don't look if you value your waistline) and also I managed a challenge which involved illustrating a favourite recipe. I decided on Sausage Stewbut I only gave myself a day to do it.

I'm my own worst enemy! :$
So I suppose that may be classed as being a little creative...of sorts.

I'm still using the dining room table as my desk but this week I wasn't alone....I had an invasion...not of the beastie or alien kind...but my son has been working at home and using my space!!!!

I'm looking forward to the weather warming up so that I can get back into my studio...it would be nice to have the dining room table looking like it should and to not be constantly setting up and clearing away.

And so lets get on with the show and tell.....

My son wouldn't let me include him in this photo (lots of low level noise...you know how they can be...you can't hear what's being said exactly, but you get the gist they're not happy) but the can of coke proves that he's there!

I did rush this photo so I apologise for the quality....someone got into a little tizzy because I was standing on a chair taking it!

There is another laptop on the chair at the rear of the shot...and the pears will be revealed later in the week....(hopefully)...so watch this space. Poor Mr Kookaburra is only half dressed and I was going to add colour to him...but my heads not been in the right place this week, so I'm taking my time with him.
Maybe he'll be in all his splendour by next week?

Can you see the later afternoon sun streaming through the window....springs knocking at the door ~ Yay! ;D

I'd like to just end by thanking everyone who visited my place during last week and I'm sorry if I didn't get to you. I'll try to do better next week I promise. :D
Have fun desk hopping everyone!

Monday, 16 July 2012

Oh well...we all can dream, but then it's a reality for some lucky people.Take for instance last night I watched the Australian Masterchef programme and the contestant who won the best dish of the day gets to have their dish photographed for the front cover of a future copy of the Masterchef magazine.

How cool is that?

I won't mention who won last night, just in case anyone hasn't managed to watch it yet...but plans to later....

I thought because it's still winter here (with a very nippy wind today ~ I might add) it would be good to make something with a splash of sunshine colour.

I chose a Lemon Drizzle Cake because not only does it look and taste good, (well wickedly yummy actually) lemons are in season here at the moment. There are masses everywhere you look.... I've never seen so many gardens with lemon trees and even our very own little tree has about a dozen little darlings all ready for the picking.

Saturday, 14 July 2012

Imagine combining two of my interests....cooking and art...well that's what the creative genious Jenn decided for this weeks Artist Playroom.

Not only would we see some amazing art from the talented artists but also get some fantastic recipes to boot!

The trouble being what on earth to pick out of the gazillion recipes I'd like...so when Thursday afternoon came and I still hadn't decided, I thought enough is enough girl...get on with it!

Just call me 'Tail-End Charlie'.

I'm hoping the time difference between here and Jenn's place might work in my favour and the Playroom may still be open. : -$

So what did I decide upon in the end....one of my oldest recipes and a favourite....'Sausage Stew'.

Now when I say an old favourite, I'm talking way back...so far back that the recipe came from my first ever cookery book which I bought when I got engaged.

I thought it was time and I'd better start to learn how to cook!

If you could see the page in the book that this recipe came from, you would probably be put off eating...to say the amount of food on the page could feed a village is probably an understatement!

This recipe lends itself to so many occasions...it's all cooked in the one pan and is soooooooo easy.

It would be perfect for students, first time cooks or cheflets, breakfast, supper, a good hangover brekkie, lunch or weekday evening meal. It also freezes perfectly so basically it's a winner anytime. Oh yes, and over the years I've adapted it (but this is the original version) and it just works everytime.

I've decided to write out the recipe below just in case it proves too difficult for anyone to read.

Make sure that you pop over to Jenn's place to check out all the other fantastic talented artists and their favourite recipes...I'm sure you'll be in for a treat...in more ways than one!

Sausage Stew

Ingredients ~ serves 4

Metric / Imperial / American

0.5kg / 1 lb / 1 lb sausages (any kind of sausages will work)

1 large onion ~ sliced

50g / 2oz /¼ cup streaky bacon ~ chopped

25g / 1oz / ¼ cup plain flour

300mls / ½ pint / 1¼ cups of beef stock

100g / 4oz / 1 cup button mushrooms ~ sliced

1 tablespoon tomato purée

salt and pepper

1 (220g / 7¾ oz / 8oz) can of baked beans

Chopped parsley to garnish

Method

Place the sausages in the oven or cook in a pan slowly until browned, turning frequently for about 10 minutes.

Remove and keep warm. (If using large sausages cut into chunks)

In the same pan add the onions and sauté gently until lightly browned.

Add the streaky bacon and cook for 2~3 minutes.

Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or so then slowly add the stock,

Next add the mushrooms, tomato purée and seasoning.

Blend thoroughly.

Return the sausages to the pan, stir in the baked beans, cover and cook slowly for 10 ~15 minutes.

Remove to a serving dish and garnish with parsley.

Serve with mashed potato and carrots.

(At various times I have added tinned tomatoes too which works well plus sometimes because I want a large amount I add two tins of baked beans) This recipe can be tweaked numerous ways, but always delivers a good enjoyable meal that as yet I've to find anyone who didn't like it!

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Morning WOYWWer's....well it's Wednesday again and it's time for show and tell...

I'm going to be superduperly brief this week...(is that a sigh I hear?) because I actually have an appointment that will take up most of today and of course Julia at Stamping Ground likes us to keep it short and sweet if we can. That way we can tootle around everyone's desk to check out what's happening in the creating WOYWW world.

If you're new to the term WOYWW or just here for the first time and wander what on earth I'm talking about....then take a look at Julia's blog at Stamping Ground to see crafts, cards, creations and great talented artists work spaces throughout the world. It's amazing and you never know what you'll see...but be warned it's addictive.

And so here's my desk...yep the dining room table yet again.

Not much happening at the moment, but I hope to make up for that after today.

I'd just like to apologise to everyone that I didn't get to visit last week, but please believe me I wanted to...and maybe I'll manage it this coming week. ;D

Thanks for taking the time to visit me...I love to have visitors and if you stop to natter then that's even better.

Tuesday, 10 July 2012

Outside my window...unfortunately it's dark(ish) still. I can't quite make out what the sky has planned for the day, at the moment...the trees are dark silhouettes against the sky . I suspect it's going to be a damp day because there doesn't appear to be any colour to anything. If I look towards the garden path I can see it's wet and remember that at 3.30am this morning, I heard the gentle pitter patter of rain.

Spring definitely came to call over the last two days, which was wonderful...so we know its approaching and hopefully will stay soon.

There's the sound of the magpies...they're still chorkling...nothing stops them. There's also the screechy call of the whattlebird, which is a large, noisy honeyeater. We have a cheeky one who visits late every afternoon. He dive bombs our pool for his evening bathtime! I love birds visiting, but feel slightly put out when I've just spent two hours cleaning it. But we share this planet. :D

Other than that it's pretty quiet and still...waiting for the day to begin.

I am thinking...oh don't even go there...it's frightening even for me, plus I don't think you'd have the time!

I am thankful...for heat and light being readily available whenever we need it. Many in the world don't have that luxury. I'm grateful I do.

In the kitchen...no goodies today. I haven't baked for so long. Really what have I been up to??? They'll be mutiny I tell yey...Oooh Ahhh Captain Sparrow :D (whoops...sorry I apologise ~ I have no idea where that came from! See aren't you glad I didn't complete the question about what I'm thinking about....it's scary let me tell you!

I am wearing...I'm still in bed...so mind you're own business! ;D

I am creating...today I'm hoping to try and doodle another design. It's already drafted up and I had hoped to get to it earlier. I've not done any drawing since last Thursday, so I'm feeling a little techy. Nothing that a few hours drawing can't solve though.

Unfortunately, what I had in mind hasn't worked out. All the tickets are sold out ~ I'll not say for what because I'm wait listed and you never know by some miracle I may get lucky.

I am wondering...where all the missing socks go to? Here's Robert Arthur Millerpoem...he also mulls over this conundrum....

My missing socks

There's something in life that I'd like to know,where in the world does that missing sock go.You have them all when they go in with the clothes,but where they end up no one really knows.When it's time for folding when the dryer is done,you look for a match but can only find one.You look in the dryer you spin it around,but still there is no missing socks found.
Is there a sock monster
what does he do,
and what is the reason
he takes one and not two.

I'm reading...The Seamstress by María Dueñas. I'm now half way through this book, so thankfully I think I should be on track for our August book club meeting. My reading seems to be taking a back seat just now, but it's a good read so far....

Maria Duenas' million copy best-selling tale of adventure, tragedy, love and war, "The Seamstress". Spain, on the brink of civil war, 1936. In love for the first time, Sira Quiroga leaves Madrid, along with everything she knows and cares about, to run away to Tangiers, Morocco with her lover Ramiro. She entrusts him with all her inheritance only to be left by him - pregnant, penniless and in trouble with the authorities. At her lowest ebb Sira falls back on the one skill she possesses: sewing. Moving to Tetouan, Sira survives by sewing beautiful clothes for the English mistress of one of the most powerful men in Morocco and for her German friends. As the women unguardedly gossip about their husbands and lovers, Sira is placed in a position very valuable to the British secret service, and she is soon forced to move to Madrid where great danger lies. A grand and epic story that tells the story of Spain's civil war, Madrid in the Second World War and reveals a world of war, glamour, espionage and passion. "A wonderful novel with intrigue, love, mystery and tender, audacious and clean-cut characters". (Mario Vargas Llosa). "A magnificent novel that flawlessly brings together history and intrigue". (Juan Gomez-Jurado, author of "The Moses Expedition"). Maria Duenas holds a PhD in English Philology and is currently a professor at the University of Murcia. She has also taught at American universities, is the author of several academic articles, and has participated in various educational, cultural and editorial projects. She is currently writing her second novel.

I am hoping...that everyone who is supposed to be in their summer season, actually gets to feel it before their autumn arrives. I'm hearing so many horrific tales about the wet weather, no sunshine, floods etc that I hope things settle down and everyone gets to experience some of summer's delights.

I am looking forward to...possibly a snowy white Christmas deep within a woodland setting, with the log fire burning, beautiful food wafting from the kitchen, laughter and my beloved family around me sharing all the delights Christmas can unfold.

Around the house...I'm trying not to look at my chaise longe here in the bedroom that looks like it will surely tipp over if I put another item of clothing over the end. That's the trouble with Melbourne weather....layers are always needed but no more so than when the season's are about to change. There's thick fleeces, jumpers, t-shirts and numerous trackies and jeans....all in various states of being worn. It's one of life's dilemma's don't you think....when you have clothes that are not clean but not dirty enough to wash....what do you do with your's? Mine obviously gravitate to the chair and wait.

A favourite quote for today...'A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty' ~ Winston Churchill

One of my favourite things...Is breakfast...so I'm away to start the day!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, rest and play but not necessarily in that order : D

A peek into my day... Well it was a peek into Sunday if I'm truthful. Warning....look away any vegetarians. I have to confess that we are 'meatatarians' in this house.
This was Sunday lunch although the Lamb Shanks took four hours to marinade and two to cook, so as you can see by the candlelight...hardly lunch. I was going to write a post (I may still) about the recipe because it was delicious. I just snapped this photo because I was trying to keep the hungry hounds at bay...my OH and son were drooling at this stage.

So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Womans Daybook and check out the other day book entries

Have a fabulous week and hopefully the sun will shine where you are : D

Thursday, 5 July 2012

The theme was anything Canadian due to our lovely host Jenn being extremely patriotic and the fact that it was Canada's birthday on 1st July.

I really wanted to pay my own little tribute to Canada ~ it's a special place for me personally, so had to knuckle down and come up with something appropriate.

Jenn mentioned the theme could be red and white (the Canadian flag colours) but when I think of red and white, I immediately think of my boys football team (soccer) I won't mention who they are as it might alienate some of my readers...but here's a clue...we do originate from the North-West of the UK! ;D

So after spending numerous days coming up with all sorts of ideas for my entry...

I finally decided on our favourite...Maple Syrup!

We use quite a lot of maple syrup and honey in our house especially when there's crêpes on the go.

But please keep in mind the term 'artistic licence' when viewing my entry, plus it's the first time I've used the Derwent Intense Pencils....whooooo....and let me tell you, it was scary!

I've got such a lot to learn but at least I've started. I think I'll be looking for online tutorials to help

....something I've never done before (not for any particular reason.....it's just this old bird didn't even know such things existed until a few weeks ago!)

Not only does Jenn host the brilliantly inspiring Artist Playroom where people/artist come together to have fun, challenge themselves, aspire or be inspired weekly, she is also an Angel....yep...not everyone knows that, but she is...and a clever one at that!

I had mentioned that I'd been working through one of her previous posts on cool tools for your blog (which as the title states is cool, really cool, especially a real eye opener for this techy challenged numpty) but I had difficulty. I wanted to try and have a signature at the end of my blogs. Simple I can hear some of you say...but hey...techy t'internetty thingymebobs sometimes take me to the brink!

I've seen other blogs with their signature and I can't help myself...I wanted one too, but then couldn't get it to display properly!

Then just a day ago Jenn sent me an email, out of the blue with all the links and lingo for my signature. She'd even been into my blog to get an idea for the design and which colours would best compliment my posts.

Also written explict detailed instruction for a dozy dollie like me to be able to follow and finally get a brilliant result ;D

Now I have to say quickly here that it's no good you all swamping Jenn with requests for her talents....she is a very busy lady and I'm special (some say 'very special' meaning I'm not all there with my cough-drops)

But take a look at her blog and check out the tools link and maybe you'll be able to be a clever bunny too!

So there's my entry for this week APR...but please don't just look at mine because you really should see the other entrants work...you'll see some amazing talent....

Monday, 2 July 2012

Outside my window...is a wintery scene again. In fact I've just read what I posted on my last journal and it is virtually the same, only a week later!

It was tippling down earlier (I knew...not quite a meteorologist term...but hopefully you get my jist) with the grey blanket still very grey overhead, although we have seen some sun on other days. Unfortunately it appears very shy today and well hidden, so I don't think it'll make an appearance, but we live in hope.

The manic refuse collection trucks are using the quiet suburban streets like a grand prix course with their lights flashing whilst screeching breaks and flinging wheelies like they're on a fun park ride of their lives!

The magpies are chorkling as the rain has stopped and they have a lot of catching up to do. I did see one the other day with twigs in it's mouth...hopeful that spring is about to arrive. I'm thinking he'll be making alternative plans today.

The garden is mostly sleeping but we have amazing azaleas blooming like they have a huge responsibility to cheer all the wintery blues away. I didn't even notice them budding....how rude! But I'm making up for it now appreciating their wonderful displays of pinks, cerise and whites flowers.

I am thinking...about Christmas! Well doesn't everyone in July? It's very strange here in Melbourne because quite a few families celebrate Christmas during the winter month of July! Christmas in July....I know you have to flip your head around this...everything in opposites remember when thinking about here.

Even some of the large department stores are holding Toy Sales!

But I think I'll leave my celebrations until December ~ thank you.

I am thankful...for modern medicine and all the medical experts that can make such a difference to people's lives.

In the kitchen...there's the lingering smell of my son's porridge which he microwaves and then smothers with honey...a good start to the day. I have one melting moment left in the cake container but I think that won't last long...I'm not saying anything more on that subject!

But it's a fact that you have to take in more calories over the winter to help keep you warm...isn't that right?

I am creating...well I'm hoping to create a winter hanging manger. I've completed one and its up on the wall looking settled and right at home. The winter pansies are just flowering with some warm colours. It was definitely worth doing, so I'm going to do it once more with feeling! I'm not sure when I'll manage to get to it but if that sun finds it's way into my garden I'll be wrapped up out there and doing!

I am going...to arrange something as a surprise for my OH's birthday. I won't write it in here just in case he takes a peek. I'm also going to a posh restaurant on Saturday night but once again I'll probably post about it next week so I'll leave you in suspenders for now ;D

I am wondering...what I would be if I were an animal or plant? It's difficult to answer this for oneself so I may have to refer to my family and friends.

I'm thinking as an animal I'd like to be something sleek, fast and beautiful to look at...but in reality I think I'm probably a tea drinking cat, liking the warmest comfy spot and being pampered whenever I decided but snoozing for the rest of the time.

As a plant I'd like to be an exquisite bloom with a beautiful perfume...an English rose perhaps, but again I'd probably be a double headed sunflower (of course I couldn't just be an ordinary sunflower...not that there's anything wrong with single headed sunflowers). Why would I be a sunflower? Well you guessed it, because I tend to gravitate towards the sun of course!

I'm reading...The Seamstress by María Dueñas. I've only just started to read this book and thankfully I've got until August for my book club meeting because it is quite a thick book. My reading seems to be taking a back seat just now, but it looks a good read, so maybe I'll be able to squeeze in a little time somewhere?

Maria Duenas' million copy best-selling tale of adventure, tragedy, love and war, "The Seamstress". Spain, on the brink of civil war, 1936. In love for the first time, Sira Quiroga leaves Madrid, along with everything she knows and cares about, to run away to Tangiers, Morocco with her lover Ramiro. She entrusts him with all her inheritance only to be left by him - pregnant, penniless and in trouble with the authorities. At her lowest ebb Sira falls back on the one skill she possesses: sewing. Moving to Tetouan, Sira survives by sewing beautiful clothes for the English mistress of one of the most powerful men in Morocco and for her German friends. As the women unguardedly gossip about their husbands and lovers, Sira is placed in a position very valuable to the British secret service, and she is soon forced to move to Madrid where great danger lies. A grand and epic story that tells the story of Spain's civil war, Madrid in the Second World War and reveals a world of war, glamour, espionage and passion. "A wonderful novel with intrigue, love, mystery and tender, audacious and clean-cut characters". (Mario Vargas Llosa). "A magnificent novel that flawlessly brings together history and intrigue". (Juan Gomez-Jurado, author of "The Moses Expedition"). Maria Duenas holds a PhD in English Philology and is currently a professor at the University of Murcia. She has also taught at American universities, is the author of several academic articles, and has participated in various educational, cultural and editorial projects. She is currently writing her second novel.

I am hoping...that I can carry on creating my art. I'm having a great time and am so thankful that my mojo came back to me...heaven knows where he went for 12 years, but I'm so happy that he found me again. I hope he stays with me forever now :D

I am looking forward to...a holiday anywhere! Yep I'm still hopeful!

Around the house...okay we're reasonably tidy today. We were out on Friday night and Saturday with a relaxing lazy Sunday (perfect) so not too much devastation happening over the weekend.

I could find lots to clean or sort if I look closely, but I'm not looking! So sue me! ;D

One of my favourite things...are flowers of any kind. They never cease to cheer me up. It's at this time of year that you begin to search for any buds or blooms (well I do anyway). I always like to have fresh flowers in the house, but even better if they are from the garden. I remember my garden in Scotland was a great source for floral displays with such a wide variety of plants available. Here in this current garden I have to improvise and sometimes add additions from the local florist.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, rest and play but not necessarily in that order : D

A peek into my day...

Our little lemon tree is producing masses of lemons, which is making my OH drool thinking there's enough for me to make aclassic lemon tart. They smell incredible every time we pass!

So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Womans Daybook and check out the other day book entries

Have a fabulous week and hopefully the sun will shine where you are : D

About Me

Neesie Natters is where I'd like to share the things that have caught my attention and delighted me.
I've travelled the globe for 24 years but have now returned home. I'll share some of my artwork, travels, books, recipes, garden and photography which are all things that make my heart sing.
It's about following your passions and finding wonder along the way.
Welcome, I'm glad you're here.